Free DC NOTARY Commission and Bond Rules Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A person is applying for a 'Business Notary' commission in the District of Columbia. They live in Virginia but their primary place of employment is in DC. According to DC rules, what specific documentation is required from their employer?
- A verbal confirmation from their direct supervisor.
- A character reference from a co-worker.
- A written request on official company letterhead with a physical DC address and phone number. (Correct answer)
- A copy of the applicant's most recent performance review.
Correct answer: A written request on official company letterhead with a physical DC address and phone number.
DC regulations require that an applicant for a business notary commission, who works but does not reside in DC, must submit a written request from their supervisor on official company letterhead. This letterhead must display a physical District of Columbia address and a DC phone number that matches the information on the application.
Question 2: A DC notary public legally changes their name. What is the first required action the notary must take regarding their commission?
- Immediately begin using a new seal with the updated name.
- Notify the Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications (ONCA) and their surety bond company. (Correct answer)
- Update their name in their notary journal for future entries.
- Publish the name change in a local newspaper.
Correct answer: Notify the Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications (ONCA) and their surety bond company.
When a DC notary's name legally changes, they are required to notify both the Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications (ONCA) and the company that issued their surety bond. They must provide legal documentation of the name change and proof of notification to the bond company. Only after these steps can they purchase a new seal and provide an impression to ONCA.
Question 3: What is the mandatory surety bond amount required for most individuals applying for or renewing a five-year notary public commission in the District of Columbia?
- $1,000
- $5,000
- $10,000
- $2,000 (Correct answer)
Correct answer: $2,000
District of Columbia law requires that most notary applicants (Business, Residential, Dual, and Federal Government) secure a $2,000 surety bond for their five-year commission term. The primary exception is for notaries commissioned solely for D.C. government employment.
Question 4: A newly approved DC notary applicant has received their Appointment Notice. What must they do within 60 days of receiving this notice to avoid invalidating their commission?
- Purchase a notary journal and embosser.
- Complete and pay for the online application.
- Take the oath of office and file their bond with the ONCA. (Correct answer)
- Attend the mandatory new notary orientation.
Correct answer: Take the oath of office and file their bond with the ONCA.
After receiving the Appointment Notice, the applicant has 60 days to purchase their supplies, obtain the surety bond, and then appear at the Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications (ONCA) to take the oath of office and file the bond. Failure to complete these steps within the 60-day timeframe will invalidate the commission, requiring the applicant to start the process over.
Question 5: Which of the following individuals is exempt from the requirement to obtain a surety bond for a DC notary commission?
- A notary with a 'Residential' commission.
- A notary applying for a 'Dual' commission.
- An employee of a federal government agency.
- An employee of the District of Columbia government. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: An employee of the District of Columbia government.
While most commission types, including federal government employees, require a surety bond, individuals commissioned to perform notarial acts solely on behalf of a District of Columbia government agency are exempt from both the application fee and the surety bond requirement.
Question 6: A DC notary with a 'Business' commission resigns from their job. Their former employer states that the notary commission cannot be transferred. According to DC regulations, what must the notary do?
- Continue to use the commission for personal notarizations until it expires.
- Return the notary seal and journal to the former employer.
- Notify the ONCA of the change and automatically convert to a 'Residential' commission.
- Resign the commission and send the notary seal and journal to the ONCA. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Resign the commission and send the notary seal and journal to the ONCA.
If an employer does not permit the transfer of a notary commission upon termination of employment, the notary is required to resign the commission. This involves sending their official seal and notarial journal to the Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications (ONCA).
Free DC NOTARY Commission and Bond Rules Questions and Answers
A person is applying for a 'Business Notary' commission in the District of Columbia.
They live in Virginia but their primary place of employment is in DC.
According to DC rules, what specific documentation is required from their employer?